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V-Cast: Michigan State has much to prove against Maryland after Washington debacle

On3 imageby: Paul Konyndyk09/17/23PKonyndyk
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East Lansing, Mich. – In a distraction-filled week since Michigan State head coach Mel Tucker was suspended without pay, interim head coach Harlon Barnett was tasked with getting his team prepared for No. 8 ranked Washington, while also navigating uncharted waters professionally.

That preparation, however, was ineffective against a high-powered Washington ballclub led by Heisman Trophy candidate Michael Penix Jr. and trio of wide receivers that is arguably the best in college. Washington put up video game numbers against Michigan State on it’s way to a 41-7 victory that may have put a damper on Barnett’s candidacy for the head coaching job at his alma mater beyond this season.

After the Michigan State’s embarrassing loss to Washington, SpartanMag.com staffers Jim Comparoni and Paul Konyndyk picked through the carnage in a what the heck just happened V-Cast.

TOPICS COVERED

ANEMIC RUN GAME: Michigan State was ineffective running the football against Washington, which entered the game ranked No. 95 in the FBS in run defense. Nathan Carter totaled 48 yards on 17 carries in the loss for the Spartans and did so while obviously dinged up. With Jalen Berger and Jaren Mangham both out of the line-up due to injuries, Michigan State has no good options beyond Carter. The Spartans could have certainly used one on Saturday.

WHERE’S THE D?: Michigan State gave up the most yardage in a single game in program history against Washington on the same night Spartan Stadium welcomed back the 2014 Rose Bowl champion Spartans in commemorating on of the best defensive teams in college football. Don’t blame this loss entirely on the Michigan State defense. The Spartans had no prayer of staying competitive against Washington without scoring points. This was a deal where offense, defense and specials had to produce.

BARNETT’S CANDIDACY TAKES A HIT: Interim head coach Harlon Barnett has made it clear that he believes his current role is an audition for the job he’d like to have at his alma mater. If, however, these games are ultimately going to serve as Barnett’s resume, it may be difficult for the longtime Michigan State secondary coach to come back from a loss like this one. If Barnett is going to remain a viable candidate for the job, he needs to get his team ready for a bounce-back win against Maryland. If the Spartans are unable to beat Maryland next weekend at home in the Big Ten opener, Michigan State may have an uphill battle at putting together a winning season and attaining bowl eligibility.  

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